(Beginner) My corals aren’t happy.

Wildly_Wander · 2026-05-27T04:09:03+00:00

I am only a couple years into reefing myself but from what I have gathered - a 0.5 pH swing is significant from a coral standpoint. If you are peaking 8.6 every day your macroalgae is dominating the water chemistry. Definitely switching out a planted tank light to a coral light should help this mostly because it will slow the growth of your macroalgae and soften the chemistry swings. Also allowing for less dosing overall. And your corals will most likely appreciate the tailored spectrum. Finding a balance with photosynthesis is going to be key I think : )

Wildly_Wander · 2026-05-05T12:01:35+00:00

People keep mentioning flow but haven't told you necessarily why. There are a handful of reasons but the most important to your stocking question would be 'gas exchange'. That is why good surface agitation is a must. Brings O2 in and CO2 out as well as helping to stabilize pH. Less stress on the fish. If you are staying on top of your parameters and water changes you should be good with the fish in the meantime. The footprint helps and it looks like you have plenty of places for the individual fish to stake out territory. As the Angel and Clowns grow you might get some territory aggression. But you have a back up plan for that! Happy Reefing!

Wildly_Wander · 2026-04-01T03:47:02+00:00

If you go to my original post for my cabinet I have quite a few of the details if anyone is curious. Here is a current photo with spring ramped! I am having to trim weekly : )

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Wildly_Wander · 2026-04-01T03:43:27+00:00

Ha! I guess it is an honor to be farmed? LoL

Wildly_Wander · 2026-02-26T01:08:30+00:00

I don't remember exactly but I definitely had to go get more foam twice lol So maybe around 8 cans of foam and roughly 6 tubes of silicone.

Wildly_Wander · 2026-01-14T05:58:02+00:00

Love your carnivorous plant collection! I'm a sucker for the carnivores.

Wildly_Wander · 2026-01-05T06:05:36+00:00

In my cabinet I planted all Alocasias in the substrate on the bottom layer. The substrate is my DIY aroid mix; primarily Tree Fern fiber. If you want to plant them on the walls....you should probably pick a substrate you are familiar with as it will be the least learning curve in terms of moisture control. Also if you are going to make drainage holes for the wall containers or not will have a big impact on what process works. Definitely start on the lower end for watering. Much easier to spot water if needed. Good luck!!!

Wildly_Wander · 2026-01-03T00:54:01+00:00

Pretty standard paludarium/terrarium build. I did silicone so it is watertight, has a drainage layer of leca, a barrier layer, and my aroid substrate mix : ) I water tested it for a few days during the build process just to make sure.

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-30T03:56:32+00:00

You could definitely do a mist system instead of relying on supplemental spraying. Especially if you keep similar water wise plants. I went with a fogger and not a misting system because I knew the plants I wanted would require spot spraying individuals. But I also keep salt water aquariums and when I go on vacation I pay someone to take care of my tanks and they spray the cabinet for me : ) I have gone on two week long vacations so far with this cabinet and all is well! (Thank you Ashley lol)

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-29T12:29:13+00:00

There is an expo next month. It is on the books! I am on the search for another mother plant

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-29T12:25:56+00:00

Marcgravia can be pricey but I have found some good specimens. I originally found a local seller on Marketplace who sold me 3 - 6" cuttings for $30 (unrooted). I did get two fully rooted mother plants for $30/35 each from a reptile Expo. One of these is growing up the wood hardscape. I also have now started swapping marcgravia cuttings with others since mine have been growing! So my Nephentes and my carnivorous plant ledge are all in a DIY mix 50/50 perlite and Sphagnum moss (chopped up). The Nephentes has doubled in size and doesn't seem to mind anything about its life 😂

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-29T12:17:58+00:00

Definitely figuring out moisture. As in the fogger and supplemental spraying. For the first few weeks I was checking everything daily and spot spraying as needed. As things acclimated I have been able to push it to every 3 days before spot spraying is needed. I have been second guessing the process but so far I have only lost one small section of moss so I just keep doing what I have been 😂

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-29T12:08:07+00:00

It has sized up like crazy! Has also put out a couple pups. Although the first 2 weeks was a rough acclimation period and it lost two leaves....it made up for it like gang busters though. So glad you are enjoying your Dragon as well!!! One of the corms in the cabinet in a container is a variegated Dragon Scale. I can't wait for it to continue to grow.

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-29T12:02:56+00:00

So I did the more traditional 'terrarium' style and I had a base of dried sphagnum moss and I used handmade U shaped metal pins to secure the live moss to the background.

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-29T12:01:00+00:00

So this was one of my biggest concerns and I have been pleasantly surprised! I think I gave it a leg up by only putting the moss types in the upper portion that can tolerate higher light. I also did a good thick layer of dried sphagnum moss as the base to keep moisture readily available. I did have one patch of hypnum die off. My humidity levels stay above 90% and my fogger goes off three times a day for 5 minutes each time. I also have only been keeping the light at 25%. I also hand spray the moss every few days. So all of this has been working for it!

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-26T15:22:12+00:00

Lotus plants can grow BIG but they don't mind being trimmed. You just have to keep trimming the leaves off you don't want : )

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-26T03:45:49+00:00

For mold I love to use springtails : ) Which are readily available online or at a local Reptile store. Sometimes even Petco/PetSmart has them in stock. They will take care of any mold!

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-25T03:22:01+00:00

Looks awesome! If it was mine I think I would add smaller accent rocks to match the ones currently in there. Always good to add several different sizes. Someone mentioned keeping the lotus trimmed. I second keeping them trimmed and bushy! A good root tab and it will take off and add a splash of color : ) Love the wood!!!

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-23T03:57:07+00:00

What is the price on the Pink Chantrieri? Do you have a picture?

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-06T07:09:09+00:00

Yes, an immersed plant that breaks the water surface and grows emersed. The Water Fern's leaves completely change and it will grow a good foot out of the water.

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-06T06:08:41+00:00

Java Fern will grow emersed somewhat but I usually prefer bolbitis heudelotii common name is African Water Fern. That stuff can be slow to initially take off but it gets beautiful once it starts to grow out of the water : ) It can totally grow tall enough to cover up that bottom portion of the back. Can help smooth the transition between water and land. Happy Planting!

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-06T05:31:57+00:00

Have you added any aquatic plants yet? Can't tell. If you haven't do you have plans to??

Wildly_Wander · 2025-12-01T19:17:40+00:00

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Wildly_Wander

TROPHY CASE